Christ Church – Meadows Building, Oxford

A conservation project to carefully restore the façade of Oxford’s historic Meadows Building which received an Oxford Preservation Trust Award.

Project

Christ Church is one of the largest colleges in the University of Oxford and the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Oxford. Beard carried out internal alterations and accommodation upgrades to the 19th century Meadow Building which included the installation of new mechanical and electrical services. The historic façade and central tower of the building was renovated which involved extensive stonework cleaning and repair, lead works, timber restoration and complete re-roofing for which the project received a prestigious Oxford Preservation Trust Annual Award.

Challenges

Difficult city centre access required thorough planning and careful management of the many specialists involved in the project

Tight delivery timescale: the project had to be completed in time for the new academic year

A live college environment in close proximity to students and tourists required constant communication with the project team and a rigorous approach to health and safety

Solutions

Good communications and liaison with the College and multiple stakeholders affected by the project was essential to completing the challenging programme of work in time for the new academic year.